The Surf Ballroom In Clear Lake: A Hall of Memories

On January 27, 2009, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dedicated the Surf Ballroom as a historic rock and roll landmark as part of their ongoing Landmark Series, identifying locations significant to the origins of rock and roll. The Original Surf Ballroom opened on April 17, 1933. When the Surf burned to the ground in 1946 a new Surf Ballroom was quickly rebuilt across the street to replace it by the following year. Yesterday, 18 April 2022, I finally had an opportunity to go inside and see the place where Buddy Holly performed his last concert.

Selfie with my Buddy Holly tour guide, Mike Tefft

In some ways, the venue reminded me of the Historic Duluth Armory, where Bob Dylan and other Northlanders say the Winter Dance Party a few days earlier. No, the two venues bear little visual resemblance to one another. Rather, their connection is more historical. Each became a showcase for countless familiar names, singers and performers. 

The Surf has plenty of memorabilia for fans of music history. In the thirties and forties, it was a major "go to" for big bands. Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and a ton of others performed here. With the birth of rock and roll, a whole new generation of performers made this part of their stomping grounds.

Inside the Green Room. Many a famous personality prepped
in this place. They not only left an indelible mark on their fans,
they also left initials, doodles and other memorials.

Duke Ellington's piano... Signed by the Duke himself.

For what it's worth, I was moved more than I anticipated that I would be. Now I wish I hadn't been in such a hurry, which means I suspect that I will be going back. There's a lot to see... 

RELATED BUDDY HOLLY LINKS

A Visit to the Buddy Holly Crash Site

In Memoriam: Buddy Holly Stood Here

More Buddy Holly Fingerprints: Not Fade Away

Sunday Night's Blood Moon and More

The Day the Music Died

Remembering Buddy Holly and the Dance Party Tour (w/Jim Heffernan)

Official Surf Ballroom Website: https://www.surfballroom.com/

If links don't launch, here are the URLs

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2019/05/a-visit-to-buddy-holly-crash-site-in.html

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2019/02/in-memoriam-buddy-holly-stood-on-these.html

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2019/01/more-buddy-holly-fingerprints-not-fade.html

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2019/01/sunday-nights-blood-moon-plus-more.html

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2010/08/day-music-died.html

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2018/01/remembering-buddy-holly-dance-party-jim.html